Chapter 167: Feelings
Zhang Zhaodi’s whole family greeted ten several scholars to eat at the Jiang Family Restaurant.
These scholars all have good family backgrounds; otherwise, they wouldn’t play together with Zhong Chushan and Chen Buyu.
Of course, they also have something in common, which is that they are all academic failures.
For these academic failures, silver is not lacking; what they lack most is approval.
Zhang Zhaodi and the others witnessed their famous scenes of dominating, and kept urging them to eat more and drink more.
“You’re number five, right? That swing you made just now was amazing,” Zhang Zhaodi said. “I’ve never seen such handsome moves. At that time, I didn’t even dare to breathe, afraid that if I did, you’d fall off the horse.”
“Haha, Auntie, you have such a good eye. This move is my specialty; it helped Wangshu grab quite a few balls!”
“You all performed very well too.”
While Zhang Zhaodi was lavishly praising those scholars, Su Yaoguang was ordering dishes with the shopkeeper of the Jiang Family Restaurant.
“Just bring whatever you recommend; serve one portion of all your signature dishes.”
“Alright.” The shopkeeper accepted the order and went to arrange the dishes.
Su Yaoguang was just about to go back when Jiang Ziqian came upstairs and called out to her.
“Boss Su.”
Su Yaoguang turned around and smiled in response: “Boss Jiang, how come you’re free to stay here today?”
“I was originally planning to go out to collect debts, but when I heard you were here, I came specifically to say hello.”
“Then haven’t I delayed you from making money? Go ahead with your business; we’ll chat another day.”
“Sure!”
A young woman with a pregnant belly walked over and said with a smile: “This is the famous Boss Su, right?”
Su Yaoguang was puzzled and looked questioningly at Jiang Ziqian.
Jiang Ziqian introduced her: “This is my eldest sister-in-law.”
After saying that, he said to Yu Shi: “Eldest sister-in-law, you came over so suddenly; you’ve startled Boss Su.”
“Do I look that scary?” Yu Shi said crossly, sizing up Su Yaoguang. “Your name is like thunder piercing the ear to me.”
“Am I that famous in the city now?” Su Yaoguang said embarrassedly.
“Eh, being famous in the city is one thing; a widow like me who never leaves home can’t hear what others say. It’s this little uncle of mine who mentions Boss Su all the time; that’s how I learned there’s a soft-hearted living Bodhisattva like you here.” Yu Shi covered her mouth and chuckled lightly.
Su Yaoguang looked at Jiang Ziqian.
Jiang Ziqian looked embarrassed and said to Yu Shi: “Eldest sister-in-law, you go downstairs first; I’ll be right there.”
Yu Shi touched her belly and nodded gently: “Take your time chatting; I’m not in a hurry.”
After Yu Shi left, Jiang Ziqian said: “I’m going to collect debts and will drop my eldest sister-in-law off at her maternal family to stay for a few days.”
“Your eldest sister-in-law says you often mention me; were you saying bad things about me?” Su Yaoguang noticed the awkward atmosphere and deliberately joked to ease it.
Jiang Ziqian’s face reddened slightly; he touched his cheek: “Ever since my elder brother encountered bandits while doing business outside and died at their hands, my eldest sister-in-law has grown increasingly haggard with her pregnant belly. You’re the strongest and bravest woman I’ve ever seen, so I wanted to tell her your stories to let her know that women in this world don’t have to depend on men to survive; there are many women like you who are even stronger than men.”
“I’m honored to be the positive example you use to encourage your eldest sister-in-law.”
“My eldest sister-in-law doesn’t have many friends; she’s very interested in your stories. If she wants to talk to you, would it be too much of a bother?”
“We’re friends, and your eldest sister-in-law counts as my friend too. She can come find me; whenever I have time, I’ll definitely counsel her well and let her see more of the sky outside, not confine herself to her little world.”
“Thank you.”
“Aren’t you busy? Go on, don’t keep your eldest sister-in-law waiting too long.”
“Alright, let’s meet another day.”
Su Yaoguang turned around and saw Zhou Wangshu leaning against the wall, looking unhappy.
“Didn’t I tell you this man’s relationship with his eldest sister-in-law is unclear, and to stay away from him?”
“Didn’t I also tell you hearsay isn’t a good habit? I think these two get along openly and honorably; I didn’t notice anything wrong.”
Zhou Wangshu snorted: “Your eyes are too small; what can you see clearly?”
“Your eyes are plenty big, staring at all sorts of nonsense all day.” Su Yaoguang shot back. “Besides, what does their relationship have to do with me? Should I let their private matters dictate my freedom to make friends?”
Zhou Wangshu glared at her and turned back to the dormitory room.
“This boy has such a weird temper lately.”
The banquet ended, and Zhang Zhaodi gained more than ten godsons.
Zhang Yingdi and Zhang Pandi watched Zhang Zhaodi happily responding to the godsons calling her “godmother,” each looking as if struck by lightning.
“Is this appropriate?” Zhang Pandi asked the Zhang Yingdi beside her.
Zhang Yingdi was torn between laughter and tears: “Big Sister drank a bit too much.”
Still, she liked her big sister’s flamboyant look like this. Before, she was entangled in household chores all day, looking like a resentful woman with no spirit on her face. Now looking at Zhang Zhaodi, compared to half a year ago, she seemed ten years younger. Her skin was in great condition, and there was light in her eyes. Plus, with Su Yaoguang dressing up Zhang Zhaodi, while others grew older and more haggard, she was getting younger and younger.
“Mom, let’s go back.” Su Yaoguang helped Zhang Zhaodi up.
If they didn’t take her back now, those cries of “godmother” would disorient her completely.
Su Yaoguang said to Zhou Wangshu: “Take care of your classmates yourself.”
After saying that, she secretly stuffed a stack of silver notes into his hand.
Zhou Wangshu: “…”
How was he supposed to say he had silver and didn’t need to eat soft rice?
Still, he’d take it!
If he didn’t eat soft rice now, he probably wouldn’t get the chance soon. Looking at her, she seemed to have a good impression of that Jiang fellow.
That Jiang fellow was older than him; if they wed, they could be a real husband and wife now. Compared to a little younger brother like him, of course the Jiang fellow would appeal to her more.
Humph!
Zhou Wangshu stuffed the silver notes into his bosom.
Su Yaoguang called the shopkeeper to settle the bill; the shopkeeper smiled: “Our boss said Boss Su is a friend; no need to pay, it’s on him.”
“That won’t do.” Su Yaoguang said, “Is fifty taels enough for such a banquet spread?”
“Your boss is so generous.” Zhang Zhaodi said, “Tell him, if he’s free, come to our Peach Blossom Workshop; I’ll personally cook some signature dishes for him.”
“Alright, I’ll definitely pass it on.” The shopkeeper smiled.
Zhou Wangshu pulled out silver notes and slapped them on the counter, saying: “No reason to make your boss spend without cause; take the silver.”
“Too much.” The shopkeeper saw the amount and quickly pushed them back.
“If it’s too much, keep the change on account; we’ll eat here again next time.”
After Zhou Wangshu said that, he pulled Su Yaoguang away.
Su Yaoguang turned back to the shopkeeper and said: “Thank your boss for me, but close brothers keep clear accounts; it’s better to settle business clearly.
